Deep Bay Gate Terminal (DBGT) successfully handled an ad hoc call by M.V. MSC VANESSA — a 300-metre LOA (length overall) container vessel operating under the MALABAR EXPRESS service — on August 28, 2026, following the vessel’s transit from Colombo. Total TEUs processed at the terminal reached 885 before the vessel departed the same day for Vizhinjam.
The call demonstrates DBGT’s operational capacity to safely berth and turn around large container vessels on an ad hoc basis — a capability that is increasingly relevant as vessel sizes on regional and feeder services inch upward. The terminal credited close coordination with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) for the seamless berthing, cargo operations, and departure sequence.
DBGT — M.V. MSC VANESSA Ad Hoc Call Details
Parameter
Detail
Vessel
M.V. MSC VANESSA
Vessel LOA
300 metres
Service
MALABAR EXPRESS
Arrival from
Colombo
Date of call
August 28, 2026
TEUs handled
885
Departed to
Vizhinjam (same day)
Port Authority
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DBGT terminal and what vessel did it handle in August 2026?
Deep Bay Gate Terminal (DBGT) is a container terminal at Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) in southern Tamil Nadu. On August 28, 2026, DBGT handled an ad hoc call by M.V. MSC VANESSA — a 300-metre LOA container vessel operating under the MALABAR EXPRESS service — processing 885 TEUs before the vessel departed for Vizhinjam. The call was notable as DBGT’s ability to handle large-format vessels on short notice demonstrates growing operational capability at the southern gateway port.
What is the MALABAR EXPRESS container service?
The MALABAR EXPRESS is a container service operated by MSC connecting Colombo (Sri Lanka) with southern Indian ports including Tuticorin (VOC Port / DBGT) and Vizhinjam. The service uses larger container vessels — in this case a 300-metre LOA ship — reflecting MSC’s strategy of deploying larger vessels on regional feeder routes as terminal capacity allows. The Vizhinjam port connection makes this route increasingly significant for Kerala’s emerging transshipment hub.
